When you meet with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), you can expect a trained expert in nutrition who has undergone a rigorous medical nutrition therapy curriculum. An RDN uses what is known as the nutrition care process (NCP). The Nutrition Care Process is a systematic approach to providing high quality nutrition care. Use of this process provides a framework for the RDN to individualize care, taking into account the clients needs and values and using the best evidence available to make decisions. An illustration of this process is shown below. At the initial appointment, the RDN gathers a myriad of information, including medical history, social and economic factors, usual eating pattern, and others. These are all important because these factors will be incorporated into a practical and personalized plan (aka "nutrition intervention"). In follow up appointments, the initial nutrition plan will be evaluated in how it is helping you meet goals. Ideally, a nutrition plan will help you reach your specific nutritional goals.
For more information on the NCP, please visit: www.eatright.org (Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics)
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